Under-15 Friendly International
Finland 1 Republic of Ireland 2
Substitute Gareth McCaffrey scored a second half brace for the Republic of Ireland Under-15s to give them victory over Finland in Eerikkila on Tuesday.
Ireland dominated the game for large spells but it was only after the interval when Shelbourne striker McCaffrey was introduced did they begin the find the openings.
The Irish were full value for their victory, their second in three matches so far this season, and will complete the double-header against the Finnish on Thursday (11am, Irish time).
Both of this weeks games are being played on the indoor artificial surface at the Eerikkila Sports Institute and it took a while for Niall Harrisons team to get used to the new pitch.
Ireland did spurn the chance of taking a 15th minute lead from the penalty spot when Jack Byrnes well placed attempt drew a tremendous save from the home sides goalkeeper.
Finland defended well for the remainder of the half, seldom allowing Ireland much space in attack.
The deadlock was eventually broken midway through the second half when Byrnes searching ball over the defence found the onrushing Gareth McCaffrey who volleyed home from just inside the box.
Ireland should have extended their lead but instead allowed their hosts gain a lifeline by equalising in scrappy fashion five minutes from time.
The Irish responded swiftly by regaining the lead with their first attack from the tip-off. McCaffrey was again the provider with a terrific goal, dribbling the ball along the edge of the box before tucking a low shot back across the goalkeeper and into the far corner.
"It was a good overall performance," said Ireland Head Coach Niall Harrison afterwards. "Defensively we were strong but lacked a bit of cutting edge up front during the first half.
"Our goalkeeper Peter Burke hardly had a save to make during the entire game and we had the majority of play. Gareth McCaffrey made a big impact after coming on by scoring two fantastic goals."
Republic of Ireland Under-15: Peter Burke (Moville Celtic), Jordan O Reilly (St. Kevins Boys), Noe Baba (Castlebar Celtic), Shane Dineen (Ferrybank), Alex O Hanlon (St. Kevins Boys); Cody Mulhall (Stella Maris), Jack Byrne (St. Kevins Boys), Craig Donnellan (Corinthians); Dean O Halloran (Southend), Sean Noble (St. Kevins Boys), Eoghan Stokes (St. Kevins Boys).
Substitutions: Gareth McCaffrey (Shelbourne) for Noble, Dan Cleary (Crumlin United) for Dineen, Sean Burke (Rangers) for O Reilly (all 48 mins), Kevin Toner (Home Farm) for Stokes, Christopher Flanagan (Glencar) for Mullhall, Garbhan McKenna (Monaghan United) for O Hanlon. |
